Submarine core sampling



, Aug. 25, 1953 w. w. RAND SUBMARINE CORE SAMPLING Filed sept. 25, 1949 /Wf/vma A44 hl @1A/0,

Patented Agg. -25, 195s `SUBMARINE CORE SAMPLIN G n William W. Rand, Santa Barbara, Calif., assignor to Union Oil Company of California, Los Angcles, Calif., a corporation of California Application September 23, 194.9, Serial No. 117,337 f' 12 Claims. (Cl. Z55-1.4)

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining core samples such as those utilized in prospecting for valuable subsurface deposits of ore,oil, gas, sulfur, and the like, and is particularlydirected to a method and apparatus for obtaining such samples from earth formations lying below bodies of water.

The taking of samples of earth formations and subsequent analysis of such samples permit the determination of the nature, the extent and thev constitution of a particular region of the earths crust and are of material assistance in locating valuable bodies of mineral matter or other` materials located therein. Deposits of oil and gas are often found to exist in certain regions in which the geologic formations of the earths crust usually have particularly characteristic properties. In the search for'crude petroleum, subsurface formations having these known properties are located and the determination of whether or not they contain crude petroleum iS made by drilling a test well. One particularli7 characteristic formation in which crude PtrO- leum frequently occursV is known as an anticline in which the sedimentary bedding planes rise t a maximum level and then fall. Should such an anticline beV covered by an impervious layer of material such as hard rock, accumulations of petroleum, and other similar materials are frequently found Within such a geologic structure. By obtaining core samples of sedimentary or other types of formations and measuring the inclination of the bedding planes, the presence or absence of an anticline type of structure may be determined.

The present invention is very effective for 0btainng samples yof submarine geologic strata which are not only submerged beneath marine bodies` but are found covered by considerable layers of sand, silt, gravel and the like which are herein referred to collectively as the overburden.

The presence of such overburden makes the conof a specially designed hydraulic jet a clean sub- `It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for the obtaining of samples of submarine rock covered by bodies of fresh or salt water and considerable depths of overburden.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method whereby the overburden covering the submarine geologic strata is penetrated by means ofhydraulic jet thereby exposing the strata and a sample is taken by driving a core barrel into the strata.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method whereby core samples of submarine strata are obtained in a core barrel by a single impact of a separate weight.

Another object of this invention is to `provide a method whereby core samples are cut from submarine geologic strata utilizing the kinetic energy of a weight driven by water pressure and gravity against a core receiving barrel.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method for surveying submarine geologic formations by core sampling the strata underlying the submarine overburden.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus for obtaining samples of submarine geologic strata covered by considerable depths of overburden.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

The present invention comprises a process and an apparatus by means of which the overburden is easily penetrated and a clean core sample of the underlying geologic strata is obtained. The penetration of the overburden is obtained by hydraulically displacing silt by means of a jet of high pressure Water and continuously lowering the sampling tube emitting the jet through the hole thus formed in the overburden. By the use stantially vertical hole of considerably larger diameter than the sampling-tube is obtained and the upward flow of Water through the hole thus formed prevents the relling of the hole with diS- placed overburden. Upon complete penetration of the overburden which is indicated by characteristic sounds transmitted up the suspension cable, a weight within the sampling tube is rev leased which by the force of gravity and the existing force of high pressure Water is driven as a piston againstthe core barrel suspended within the sampling tube thus driving the core barrel with a single impact into the exposed geologic strata and cutting a core sample therefrom and simultaneously cutting a longitudinal scribe on the core. Following the penetration of the Strata, the amount of inclination of the core barrel, the azimuth of the inclination and the azimuth of the scribe mark on the core sample are recorded so that the position of the core relative to the geographic directions may be established. The core barrel is provided with a means for scribing the core longitudinally as it is received into the core barrel upon penetration. A known rotative relation is thereby maintained between the core and the core barrel. A similar relation is maintained between the core barrel and the sampling tube. This permits a direct determination of the dip and strike of the bedding planes usually found in the core sample from inclination andazmuth ol.'

the core and the azimuth of the scribe mark on of Water as deep'as `50 fathoms. Furthermore' excellent core samples have been obtained by this method in deep water from geologic strata covered with a hundred feet or more of overburden. The customary length of core averages between 1 foot and 2 feet, but cores as long as 3 feet have been obtained. The diameter of the core samples is customarily around 1.5 inches. The condition of the samples thus obtained has been highly satisfactory permitting accurate determinations of desired data for lthe geologic strata from which they were taken.

The method and apparatus of this invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a general elevation view of the assembled core sampling device preparatory to taking a core sample,

Figure 2 is an elevation view in partial cross section of the drop weight employed to drive the sampling tube into submarine strata,

Figure 3 is an elevation view in partial cross section of the core barrel provided with a cutting head by means of which the core is cut from the formation,

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross section of the core barrel,

Figure 5 is a detailed elevation of the core cutting head showing the scribe;` and core-retaining ngers,

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross section of the core head,

Figure 'I is an elevation view in cross section of the jetting head by means of which the hole through overburden is cut,

Figure 8 is an elevation view in cross section ofthe releasing device for dropping the driving weight within the sampling tube, and

Figure 9 is an elevation view in partial cross section of the device employed to remove the drop weight and the core barrel containing the core sample from the sampling tube after the sample has been taken and the device hauled to the surface.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 1 the sampling device consists of upper sampling tube I0 joined by quick breaking joint II which is covered by a collar, not shown, to prevent the spreading of joint II under the stress of a nonlongitudinal pull to lower sampling tube I2, the

latter hereinafter called the sampling tube. A suspension cable I3 is provided by means of which the entire device is lowered from a vessel on the surface of the marine body. Upper scribed in connection with Figure 7.

sampling tube III consists of an elongated cylindrical pipe, preferably made of brass, Monel metal or other relatively nonmagnetic metal. A recording device I4 containing a magnetic compass, an inclination indicating device and a camera is inserted within upper sampling tube I0 and secured in a known rotative relationship thereto by means of set screw I5. Sampling tube I2 is also an elongated cylindrical tube, preferably fabricated of steel, and is provided with jetting fluid inlet I6 intermediate its ends. The lower portion of sampling 'tube I2 is provided with jetting head I1, which will be subsequently de- Upper sampling tube I0 is provided with Weight release device I8 by means of which drop'weight I9 is suspended in such a way that its lower extremity is above the inlet point where fluid inlet I6 opens into sampling tube I2. Release device I8 is provided with nonmagnetic wire release line 22 which also connects the sampling device through guide tube 22a with the survey vessel and by means of which at any desired time drop Weight I9 may be released when the core sample isrto be taken. The release device I 8 will be subsequently described in more detail in connection with Figure 8. I

Jet uid inlet I6 is coupled by coupling 20 to high pressure hose 2| which runs to the surface for connection to the discharge outlet of a high pressure water pump carried aboard the surveying vessel. Below inlet I6 and within sampling tube I2 is suspended a core receiving barrel not shown but described in more detail in connection with Figure 3 and Figure 4. Drop weight I9 fits closely with small clearances within sampling tube I2. Clearances of about a, of an inch have been found adequate. Such a clearanceis ample to permit an adequate-flow of jet water through -`the annular space around the drop weight so as to maintain the hole through the overburden open and still are small enough, however, to

cause the jet fluid to exert a considerable drivenergy necessary to cut the core from the formation is obtained by the combined action of gravity and the jet fluid pressure. A considerable decrease vis obtained in the required length of sampling device from that which would ordinarily be necessary if the entire energy were to be obtained by gravitation alone.

During operationof this device for obtaining a core sample, the core barrel is suspended in the sampling tube well below the jet uid inlet and the drop weight is suspended therein above the jet water inlet. The entire device is lowered overboard with a high pressure pump aboard the vessel supplying water to the sampling tube and a heavy jet of water issuing downwardly from the jetting head. Upon reaching the overburden, the jet hydraulically displaces the silt and sand thereby cutting a substantially vertical hole through which the entire device is'lowered as fast as formed. When the submarine geologic strata below the overburden is exposed the weight release is actuated and, without discontinuing the ow of the' jet water, the drop weight is released and projectedwith a single sharp impact against the core barrel driving it a considerable distance also the azimuth of the scribe mark on the core are recorded. 'Ihe lentire device is then withdrawn from the hole and is hauled to the surface. Upon reaching the surface quick breaking joint II is separated and by using the device shown in Figure 9, first the drop weight and then the core barrel is removed from lower sampling tube I2. A new core barrel is inserted in the sampling tube, the drop weight resuspended at its former position, quick breaking joint II is reassembled and the device lowered over the side for the taking of a subsequent sample,

The core is scribed to maintain a known yrotative relation between it and the core barrel, a known relation is maintained between the core barrel and the sampling tube, and the rotative relation between the sampling tube and the recorder device is fixed sothat from the record of the azimuths of the inclination andthe scribe mark on the core sample the geometry of the core with respect to the strata sampled, is known. Referring now more particularly to Figure 2 drop weight I9 is shown with its upper extremity drilled out forming opening 23. At the upper end of this opening is retaining ring 24 provided with two bevelled lower surfaces 24a of about 20 and 24b of about 30. Surface 24a engages fingers 53 of Figure 8 for suspension of drop weight I9 while surface 24h engages members 59 of Figure 9 for'removal of the weight from the sample tube. If desired, grooves 25 may be provided around drop Weight I9 in order to increase the pressure drop of jet fluid flowing through the annular space between the weight and lower sampling tube I2 thereby increasing the kinetic energy obtainable from the action of the jet water introduced in the manner of a turbine. v

In one modification of the device of the present invention a drop weight consisting of a cold rolled round steel bar 11 feet in length and 21/2 inches in diameter was used in connection with such core sampling operations in which 350 feet per square'inch jet Water pressure (at the surface) was used. With higher water pressures smaller drop weights arein order.

Referring now particularly to Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of the core receiving barrel is shown which is suspended in the lower portion of sampling tube I2 and in the jetting shoe prior to being driven by a single impact of thel drop weight into the formation to be sampled. Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the core barrel and, will be described simultaneously with Figure 3. Core barrel 26 is provided at its upper extremity with a hollowdrivmg head 21 which is attached by means of four flush machine screws 28. This driving head is further provided Iwith water escape ports 29. Driving head 21 is further provided with inner groove 30 by means of which the apparatus shown in Figure 9 is connected thereto to permit removal of the core barrel and core sample from the sampling tube. Core barrel 26 is further provided with longitudinal key 3I setting in a longitudinal keyway milled into core barrel 26. The longitudinal key rides in a keyway provided in the inner surface of jetting head I1 and maintains a known rotative relation between core barrel 26 and sampling tube I2. Near the lower extremity of key 3I and 6 I the lowerportion of sampling tube I2 prior to the impact-bf drop weight I9. At the lower extremity of core-barrel 26 is provided core cutting head 33 which is fully described in connection with Figures 5 and 6. Core barrel 26 is prevented from passing completely out the bottom of sampling tube I2 by means of driving head 21, which is of larger outside diametei` than the inside diameter of inner cylindrical section 48 within jetting head I1 through which core barrel 26 slides and is provided with surface 21a which matches the curvature of surface 49a of guide collar 49.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, an elevation view of core cutting head 33 in partial cross section is shown in Figure 5 and a horizontal cross section in. Figure 6. Core cutting head 33 is cylindrical and is provided at its lower `part with double downward inwardly beveled surfaces 34 of screw 31 which is provided with inner scribcutting edge.

ing point 38. This scribing point makes a longitudinal scribe mark along the side of the core sample when it is taken and establishes a known f rotative relation between the core sample and core barrel 26. Core head 33 is fabricated from cyanide hardened chrome molybdenum alloy steel. The angle with which lower bevel 35 makes with the horizontal is preferably between about 20 and 60, although the best results have been found in which this angle is between about 30 and 40. Furthermore, it is of considerable importance to have on the cutting edge 39 a flat surface of about 1/,4 of an inch instead of a sharp When core heads fabricated according to the foregoing specifications are used in the core sampling process of this invention samples of the hardest vknown shales such as those of the Monterey type are successfully obtained without visual damage to the core cutting head.

Referring now to Figure 7, an elevation view in cross section of jettinghead I1 provided at the lower extremity of sampling tube I2 is shown. Jetting head I1 is provided within outer cylindrical extension 40 of sampling tube I2, this extenextending both through the key and the wall of core barrel 26 is provided shear pin 32. The shear pin may be fabricated of aluminum, copper or other soft shearable metal and is provided for the purpose of supporting core barrel 26 in sion being the outer casing of the jetting head assembly. The lower extremity of extension 40 is provided with a downward outwardly beveled edge 4I. Within extension 40 is disposed inner cylindrical section 42 spaced from extension 40 by means of machine screws 43 leaving an annular space between section 42 and extension 40. On the upper edge of cylindrical section 42 is provided bearing surface 42a upon which shear pin 32 rests while the core barrel is suspended within sampling tube I2. Toward the lower extremity of inner cylindrical section 42 isprovided an upper upward inwardly beveled surface 44 spaced approximately the same distance from` beveled surface 4I as the annular distance between section 42 and extension 40. Below beveled surface 44 is provided lower downward inwardly beveled surface 45 which terminates at the lower end of jetting head I1. The annular space previously referred to continues through the annular space formed between beveled surfaces 4I and 44. This provides a passage water passes forming4 a cone shape jet diverging cylindrical section 42 by means of the lower set l of machine screws 43. Keyway 41 is adapted to receive key 3| set into core barrel 26 and to maintain a known rotative relation between core. barrel 26 and sampling tube I2. Upon insertion of the core barrel 2G key 3| is guided into keyway 41 by means of guide collar 49 integrally attached to cylindrical section `42 by means of machine screws 50. The position of shear pin 32 with f respect to the lower extremity of key 3| is such that after key 3| enters keyway 41 and moves downwardly therethrough a sufficient distance to bring the lower extremity of core head 33 adjacent the lower extremity of jettng head `I1, shear pin 32 rests on bearing surface 42a. In other words, the distance between bearing surface 42a and the lower extremity of jetting head Il is substantially the same distance as that between shear pin 32 and core head 33.

Thus the main jet 5| passes downwardly from the lower extremity of core barrel 26 through core head 33 cutting a substantially vertical hole through the overburden covering the geologicj strata to be sampled. Beveled surface 45 displaces part of the overburden upwardly and outwardly to a point where it is contacted by a conical jet 52 thereby cutting the pieces of displaced overburden into small particles which are carried up the hole thus formed much in the manner as drill cuttings are carried out of the drilling hole by means of the circulating drilling fiuid in the drilling of an oil well.

Referring now to Figure 8 a cross section of an elevation view of drop weight release mechanism I8 within sampling tube I2 is shown. Drop weight I9 is shown suspended within sampling tube I2 by means of retaining iingers 53. These are hinged at points 54 and the bearing surfaces of iingers 53 are maintained in contact with retainer ring 24 by means of suspension collar 55 which extends downwardly behind the upper extremity of fingers 53. Suspension collar 55 is maintained in this position by spring 56. To release the drop weight a tension is applied to wire release line 22 raising suspension collar 55 and permitting fingers 53 to pivot about points 54 so that the lower ends of fingers 53 move inwardly and disengage themselves from the inner bearing surface of retainer ring 24. Drop weight I9 then drops by gravity past jet fluid inlet I6 and then acts much as a piston with the high pressure jet uid acting behind it. The drop weight is thus` driven against core barrel 26, shearing shear pin 32 and driving corebarrel into the strata to be sampled by means of a single impact.

Referring now to Figure 9 a device is shown in partial cross section by means of which the core barrel and drop weight are recovered from sampling tube I2 after the sample has been taken and the device has been brought to the surface. This device, usually termed a godevu" in acid practice, comme c: cylindrical bodyportion 51l provided at its upper extremity with a bale 66 by means of which it is raisediand lowered through sampling tube I2. The device is further provided with three retractable engaging members 56 spaced 120 apart around the lower portion of body member 61. These are hinged at points 66 and provided with springs 6| which cause the fingers to emerge from slots 62 provided for them in body member 51. A longitudinal drill hole 63 is provided through the center of body member 51 into which is inserted collapsing bar 64. Slot 65 is milled through the wall of body member 51 and collapsing bar 64 is provided with pin 66 riding in slot 65 to limit the longitudinal travel of collapsing bar 64. When collapsing bar 64 is raised springs 6I force fingers 59 outwardly so that they engage the bearing surface of retainer ring 24 in drop weight I9 or groove 36 in core barrel 26 and thus afford a means of raising the drop weight and the core 'barrel out of sampling tube I2. Upon reaching the surface collapsing bar 64 is depressed against a friction member 61 so that the lower extremity of bar 64 forces the lower extremity of fingers 59 outwardly thus collapsing fingers 53 into slots y62 giving body members 51 a smooth outward appearance, the go-devil then may be withdrawn from the.upp'er extremity of weight I6 cr core barrel 26.

The device of the present invention described above is usually from 30 to 50 feet in length and is fabricated with no outward obstructions which could possibly engage with the wall of the hole drilled through the overburden thereby preventing recovery of the device from the hole. The presence of high pressure hose 2| alongside suspension cable I3 materially assists the rising stream of water in keeping the hole open. The

\rising current of water from the jetting head through the hole in the overburden has been found to successfully prevent the closing in of the overburden around the sampling device. Excellent core samples have been obtained in core sampling operations ofi the southern California coast line in as much as 150 feet of water and from below as much as feet of sandy overburden. No undue stresses were noticed in removing the device after the core had been taken and it is believed that the process employed in taking the core sample is responsible for the prevention of difliculties which would normally be expected in core sampling underneath such excessive depths of overburden.

A particular embodiment of the present invention has been hereinabove described in considerable detail by way of illustration. It should be understood that various other modifications and adaptations thereof may be made by those skilled in this particular art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention las set forth in the appended claims.

' I claim:

1. An apparatus for core sampling geologic strata submerged beneath a body of water which comprises an elongated hollow member, a suspension cable connecting said elongated member with a vessel on the surfa-ce of a body of water. an inlet connection opening into said elongated member, a hose connecting said inlet connection with a source of high pressure water aboard said vessel, an elongated drop weight suspended within said elongated member, means extending to the surface for releasing the suspended drop weight at will and a core barrel provided with a 9 v l core-cutting head suspended within said velongated member and below said drop weight. i

2. An apparatus for core sampling submerged geologic formations which comprises a hollow elongated member, an upper hollow elongated member detaehably connected to said first named elongated member, a suspension cableconnecting said upper elongated member with a vessel on the surface of the submerging body of water, a

recording means for. recording the inclination and the azimuth of the inclination of sid elongated member, an' elongated'drop vweight suspended within said elongated member, said drop weight comprising a solid bar of metal provided with a longitudinal opening drilled .-out of its upper extremity, a retaining ring provided with two bevelled lower surfaces fitted into said opening to permit retrieving said weight from within said hollow elongated member and a plurality of grooves in the external surface of said drop weight adapted to increase the pressure drop of jet iiuid owing through the annular space between said drop weight and said elongated member, means extending to said vessel for releas ing said drop weight at will, an inlet opening into said elongated member-for the introduction of water at a pressure greater than that of the ambient submerging body of water and adapted to propel said drop weight as a piston through said elongated member, jet means integral with the, lower extremity of said elongated member, an elongated core barrel suspended within said j l0 below 'said inlet within pension means for said sampling tube, and means for releasing said drop weight.

, 5. An apparatus for obtaining core samples of submarine geologic formations which comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical sampling tube, an upper sampling tube detachably connected to said sampling tube, a suspension cable connecting said upper sampling tube with a vessel on the surface of a marine body of water', a recording means disposedv within said upper sampling tube for recording `the inclination and the azimuth of the inclination of the sampling tube, an elongated cylindrical fdrop weight suspended in the upper portion of said sampling tube, means extending .to the surface for releasing the suspended drop weight at will, an inlet into said sampling tube disposed below the suspended drop weight for the introduction of water under pressure greater than that of the ambient marine body, jet means integral with the lower extremity of said sampling tube, an elongated cylindrical core barrel suspended above said jet means and below said inlet within said sampling tube,

elongated member below said drop weight, a core- Y cutting head attached tothe lower end of said core barrel and means for retaining a xed rotative relation between said core barrel and said recording means.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said core barrel is provided at its upper extremity with a hollow driving head, fluid escape ports opening through said driving head into said core barrel, a peripheral groove around the inner surface of said driving head, a longitudinal key fixed in a longitudinal keyway along the length of said core barrel, a shear pin of readily shearable material extending through the wall of sa'id core barrel and said key and projecting beyond the outer surface of said key, a corecutting head fixed at the lower extremity of said core barrel and provided with core retaining fingers projecting upwardly and inwardly into said core barrel, a core scribing point with an externally iiush head extending through the lower extremity of said core barrel wall and through the wall of said core-cutting head and provided with an inwardly projecting point adapted to longitudinally scribe cores received by saidbarrel, said core-cutting head being provided with an external surface consisting of a double downward inwardly bevelled surface, the lower of said bevelled surfaces making an angle of from 20 to 60 relative to a' transverse plane of the lower opening thereof, and the cutting edge comprising a flat surface in the transverse plane of approximately 1&4, of an inch radial width at the intersection of the internal surface of the core-cutting head and said lower bevelled surface.

4. An apparatus for the sampling of submarine geologic strata which comprises a hollow cylindrical sampling tube, an inlet intermediate the ends of said sampling tube for introducing high pressure water, a drop weight suspended above said inlet within said sampling tube, a core barrel provided with a core-cutting head suspended a core cutting head attached to the lower end of said core barrel, and means for retaining a fixed rotative relation between said core barrel and said recording means within said upper sampling tube.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 in combination with a vessel disposed on the surface of said marine body, a high pressure water pump y vdisposed aboard said vessel, a flexible tube connecting said pump with said inlet on said sampling tube, winch means aboard said vessel for raising and lowering said sampling tube, and a means for exposing a photographic record in said recording means at a predetermined time.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said core barrel is provided with an impact head at its upper extremity of larger diameter than said core barrel, a keyway and key extending longitudinally along the outside of said core barrel, said key serving to maintain said `core barrel in a xed known rotative relation to said recording means in said upper sampling tube, and a scoring means for marking the core sample as it is cut from said formations to determine the rotative relation of said core to said core barrel.

8. An apparatus according to claim '7 including a shearable pin passing through the wall of said core barrel and extending through said key and a short distance beyond the outer surface of said key, the extension of said shearable pin contacting a boss projecting from the inner surface of said sampling tube and thereby suspending said core barrel therein.

9. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said drop weight is provided with means for increasing the pressure drop of water owing through the annulus between said drop weight while dropping and said sampling tube wall to increase lthe force of said flow' of water acting on said drop weight and the kinetic energy of the dropping weight.

10. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said core cutting head is cylindrical with a double downward inwardly bevelled case-hardened alloy steel cutting edge at its lower extremity and provided with a series of inwardly bent core-retaining ngers at its upper extremity.

11. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said jet means comprises an outer cylindrical extension of said sampling tube, said extension said sampling tube, a susv from said extension forming an annulus and provided on the outer surface at its lower' extremity with a higher upward inwardly bevelled surface spaced from the bevelled surface of said extension continuing said annulus and a lower downward inwardIy bevelled surface. a longitudinal keyway disposed within said cylindrical section, a key guide disposed above said retainer, and a boss to engagea shear pin provided on the upper extremity of said cylindrical section.

12. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said upper sampling tube consists of a relatively nonmagnetic pipe.

W. RAND.-

UNITED STATES P ATENTS Number 5 1,597,325 2,256,552 2,326,435 2,536,303

1 Number Name 'Date Melcher Aug. 24, 1926 Drake Sept'. 23, 1941 Bynum Aug.,10, 1943 Miller Jan. 2, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS` Country Date Germany Nov. 21, 1935 

